How to Restore Shine to Chrome Faucets
(The Easy Way)

Hard Water Stains and Mineral Build-up

To remove the effects of hard water, soak a washcloth in a mixture of white vinegar and water (equal parts) and wrap it around the faucet for 10-15 minutes. This process dissolves mineral deposits and restores a beautiful shine to chrome! While abrasive cleaners are not recommended (definitely don’t use them), a gentle baking soda paste (baking soda and water) gently removes those tough deposits that stubbornly remain on chrome. Use the handle end of a toothbrush covered in a soft microfiber cloth to get into hard-to-access edges and crevices with ease.

Polishing

Polishing chrome will give it that good-as-new luster after mineral build-up is removed. Use a small amount of oil, such as baby or mineral oil, and apply to chrome with a soft cloth. Rub the oil in using a tight circular motion. Next, use a glass cleaner, applied with a very clean microfiber cloth. While polishing isn’t the most necessary step in the chrome-care process, it really adds a WOW factor. To add an optional protective layer, apply a gentle commercial chrome wax; it will help repel water and prevent future buildup.

Everyday Cleaning

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Proper cleaning after the chrome shine is restored saves on maintenance costs and time spent on future cleaning. Here’s how to clean a chrome faucet or fixture:

1. Using a mild soap and soft washcloth, wipe down the faucet with warm water. This helps to remove soap, makeup, and anything that has built up in the normal course of a week.
2. Once a week, spray a hard water remover or a combo of white wine and vinegar on the faucet and wipe off carefully with a soft cloth. It’s important to avoid abrasive cleaners and hard scrubbing as this will scratch the chrome. Following up with a dry microfiber towel wipe-down will prevent water stains.
3. That’s it!

Preventative Maintenance

Although not the most glamorous part of owning a chrome fixture, preventative maintenance keeps a faucet sparkling for a long time. Wiping chrome dry after each use is a helpful habit, and the greatest tool to keep pesky water spots from forming. Installing a water softener is one of the best ways to help maintain all the pipes and appliances in a home (not just chrome!) by reducing minerals in the water, and preventing mineral deposits that dull the finish. Rounding out the maintenance routine with a wax polish is the best way to keep chrome looking good as new, and free of dirt and grime.

As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, and the Pioneer family, Central Brass and Olympia, are here for you. Transform your project or home with beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.

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